Ondo community laments marginalisation

THE Okeigbo community in Ondo State, has decried what they termed ‘political marginalisation.’ They have formed a political committee to tackle the problem.

At a meeting in Lagos, Okeigbo indigenes under the aegis of Okeigbo Central Council/Okeigbo Consultative forum (OCF) said for long the people of the area have not enjoyed the dividends of democracy, as they should. Both in elective positions and appointments, they claimed, they are not being fairly treated, even though they have always been politically active. They have, therefore, resolved to embark on massive political education to encourage more of its people to embrace partisan politics, adding that they would support the best candidate from any party.

At the forum, attended by representatives of some political parties, unions and groups, Chairman of OCF, Chief Dele Oduwale urged his people to speak with one voice. He said earlier that they formed an economic committee, which he described as a huge success, adding that one cannot achieve economic power without political power.

Continuing he said: “Political power is important. Needless to say that we are backward. I don’t think it is impossible to speak with one voice. If we can, Okeigbo will get to its pride of place. The heat of political activity is on. I want to urge that all should seek the progress of Okeigbo, no matter your party.”

Former Chairman, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government, Niran Akinniyi, in a paper titled: Okeigbo; when is a people? called for political sensitisation among his people, a permanent structure manned by experts for policy formulation and enforcement and a monitoring group that will guide the people before and after elections.

He said: “If, indeed, and in truth our gathering is to fashion out an impersonal, non-partisan, comprehensive and sustainable development agenda for the long-suffering, politically traumatised and socially dislocated people of Okeigbo, then we must start on a soul-searching note of critical self-evaluation,” adding: “We must work together. We must identify and agree on our goal – our common goal.”

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Oye Elusiyan, enjoined those who want to join politics to go home and start from the grassroots. He asked those who want to vote to also go home and register. He advised the committee members to work without bias and be guided by the principles of fairness and equity.